She said last year 1.6 million women in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse, and “while in lockdown or self-isolation, women and children are likely to be spending concentrated periods of time with perpetrators, potentially escalating the threat of domestic abuse and further restricting their freedom.

“Domestic abuse isn’t always physical – it’s a pattern of controlling, threatening and coercive behaviour, which can also be emotional, economic, psychological or sexual.”

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted online as well as by phone

Police are emphasising that women and men facing abuse at home during the lockdown should still report their experiences to police and seek support from domestic abuse services.

West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe, who leads on domestic abuse for the National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “We would always seek to remove the perpetrator…

“Because often victims in their own home where family, friends and neighbours can look out for them are much safer than if we remove them.”

West Midlands Police Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe leads on domestic abuse for the National Police Chiefs’ Council

Refuge says the helpline is still running 24 hours, seven days a week, with staff operating from home.

One effect of being locked down with your abuser could be that not only are people more vulnerable to domestic abuse – but also possibly less likely to be able to make an emergency phone call.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline therefore offers the option of contacting them through its website, with a quick exit button which ensures no record of the attempt is left on the phone.